USS Saipan (CVL-48) as completed, November 2, 1946.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway at sea, with eight FH-1 Phantom jet fighters on her flight deck. The original print is dated June 1953, but the presence of FH-1s and the general rig of the ship indicate that the photograph was actually taken during the late 1940s.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), probably in the late 1940s. Note the mix of aircraft on her deck: early jet and a variety of prop types.

Bill Fessenden (Newmarket, NH) comments: "The photo was taken at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine (PNSY), during the ship's April (?) 1948 visit (DANFS). In the upper right background can be seen the US Route 1B bridge between New Castle, NH (on the left) and Portsmouth, NH. The large building on the horizon, to the left of the ship's island, is the locally famous Wentworth Hotel, on New Castle Island. The restored, late 19th century grand hotel, still stands, to this day. It should also be noted that PNSY was/is used primarily for submarine work, as evidenced by the submarine moored forward of the CVL, and the submarine components on the dock in the photo's foreground."

LT(JG) C.B. Griffin, USNR, made the 20,000th landing aboard USS Saipan (CVL-48).

Civilians watch operations from USS Saipan's island. From the 7th to the 24th of February 1948, Saipan transported the United States delegation to the Venezuelan President Rómulo Gallegos inauguration and back. This photo may have been taken during this diplomatic mission.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway, early in her career (1946–1948), with Light Carrier Air Group 1 (CVLG-1) aboard. CVLG-1 deployed with the ship for her diplomatic mission to Venezuela in February 1948 (see NS024815).

Crewmen wash snow and ice from the flight deck and superstructure, during Operation Icecap. Ice is visible on the island and mast. Date may be circa late December 1948, when Saipan was sent to Greenland waters on a rescue mission.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) at anchor circa 1952, location unknown.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway circa 1953, location unknown (USN photo.)

Lieutenant Colonel Julius W. Ireland, USMC, Commanding Officer of Marine Attack Squadron 324 (VMA-324) is greeted by a French Navy officer, after his squadron delivered AU-1 Corsair aircraft to the French at Tourane (Danang) airfield, Indo-China, on 18 April 1954. One of the AU-1s is behind them. The planes were transported to the area by USS Saipan (CVL-48).

French Naval Aviator C.A. Libiot (left center) greets Second Lieutenant John F. Schrepferman, USMCR, of Marine Attack Squadron 324 (VMA-324) as VMA-324 pilots delivered AU-1 Corsair aircraft to the French at Tourane (Danang) airfield, Indo-China, on 18 April 1954. Libiot and other French aviators had trained at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, with some of VMA-324's pilots. Three of the AU-1s are behind them. The planes were transported to the area by USS Saipan (CVL-48).

USS Saipan (CVL-48) off Tourane (Danang), Indo-China, on 18 April 1954, just prior to launching twenty-five AU-1 Corsair aircraft, which were flown ashore for delivery to the French.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) with HRS and HUP helicopters on her flight deck, circa the mid-1950s.

Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway circa the mid-1950s, with eleven AD-1 Skyraider attack planes parked on her flight deck, aft. Note submarine approaching, in the right distance.

Artwork reproduction of an insignia received during the 1950s.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 70134-KN).